Best Bike Lock Awards Presented by OutdoorGearLab

Comparing seven of the top bike locks side-by-side, this review tested security, ease of use, and versatility. Awards went to the leading performers.

The seven bike locks OutdoorGearLab tested.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - May 23, 2014 - PRLog -- OutdoorGearLab recently published the results of its comprehensive review of top bike locks. The review included seven products from top brands such as Kryptonite, OnGuard, and Hiplok that ranged from inexpensive cable locks to super secure U-locks. To test these competitors, gear editor Rylee Sweeney of Moab, Utah, used the locks on a daily basis for three months. Unlike many other reviews that simply examine the security of the bike locks, she used this phase of her testing process to assess the portability and ease of use of each lock. As she points out in her review, it doesn’t matter how highly a lock is rated in security if it’s too difficult to transport or use, since the consumer will not develop a habit of regularly locking the bike.

Throughout the review period, our testers also scored each product on its versatility, or the amount of bicycle you could secure with each lock. The longer cable locks were the longest and thus the easiest to wrap around multiple parts of the bike, however given their low security rankings they don’t come highly recommended. Some U-locks came equipped with an added cable, which made them more versatile; meanwhile other U-locks were spacious enough that the front tire could be removed and locked up with the frame and back tire.

Finally, after using these seven pieces for three months, the team of testers tried to break into each lock. With the help of an experienced lock pick, they first tried breaking in via the locking mechanisms. They then moved on to a series of hand tools, including wire snips, bolt cutters, hammers, and hacksaws. In the last phase of their tests, the broke out an electric angle grinder and timed how long it took to saw through each lock. Tallying up the results from each stage of testing, OutdoorGearLab ranked the products and announced the winners. The Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock won the Editors’ Choice award, the Kryptonite KryptoLok Series 2 Standard U-Lock took home the Best Buy award, and the Hiplok V1.50 Chain Lock earned the Top Pick for Commuting award.

Kryptonite New York Standard U-LockOne of Kryptonite’s most secure locks, the New York Standard U-Lock - OutdoorGearLab’s Editors’ Choice award winner - features a steel shackle (the “U” part) that is 16 mm thick and a crossbar with dual locking mechanisms. The shackle of this four-pound lock is spacious enough that the user can remove the front wheel and secure it beside the back wheel and the frame for added security. In the security tests, the New York Standard held up to all assaults except the angle grinder. However, thanks to the dual locking crossbar, a single cut wouldn’t free the shackle. Although this model was more difficult to transport given its hefty weight, the testers found it to be relatively versatile and highly secure. The New York Standard rings up at approximately $100, placing it on the higher end of the price spectrum; however, if you have poured significant time, energy, and/or money into your bike and really care about protecting it, then OutdoorGearLab’s Editors’ Choice award comes highly recommended.

Kryptonite KryptoLok Series 2 Standard U-Lock

A product that scored highly in OutdoorGearLab’s versatility and ease of use metrics, the Kryptonite KryptoLok Series 2 Standard U-Lock earned the Best Buy award because it is an affordable product that provides a good amount of security for the average biker. This U-lock comes with a four-foot cable that can be used to secure the front tire, seat, bike trailer, or other valuable components. Although the U-lock is not as strong as OutdoorGearLab’s Editors’ Choice award winner, the testers still needed an angle grinder to break into it. Additionally, the Best Buy award winner is backed by a $1,500 bike protection plan. At only $49, you can’t afford to not buy this lock.

Hiplok V1.50 Chain Lock

Perhaps the most unique piece in this review, the Hiplok V1.50 Chain earned the company’s Top Pick for Commuting award. During transport, the Hiplok V1.50 Chain can be worn around the waist like a belt. According to testers, redistributing the weight around the center of gravity made for more comfortable transport than carrying in a backpack. Additionally, this lock was quick and easy to wrap around the frame and back tire. This product also scored fairly well in the review’s security tests; it took an angle grinder, rather than any hand tools to break into this lock. Although it was the most expensive piece in the review at $118, this product is a great alternative for those who don’t love clunky and sometimes awkward U-locks.

About OutdoorGearLab:

Headquartered in Cheyenne Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab LLC compares products head-to-head to create world’s best outdoor gear reviews. A free resource for outdoor enthusiasts, the company’s website includes reviews of products for activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, and camping. OutdoorGearLab employs a team of dedicated Gear Editors who live and play across the country. After testing the outdoor equipment side-by-side, they score the products across a range of weighted categories and publish the results in comparative reviews. Once the competitors are ranked, awards are given to top-performing products. See more at http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/.